Channel 7 newsreader Mark Ferguson and his wife Jayne, a Non-Executive Director of Commonwealth Games Australia, are selling their picturesque working sheep and cattle property Hazeldean, at Crookwell on the NSW Southern Tablelands.

The highly-respected Sydney media professionals bought the 777.5-hectare property in 2015 and have invested significantly in improvements to pastures, fencing and water supply.

They have also upgraded livestock handling facilities and renovated the historic Hazeldean homestead.

With a carrying capacity of 7,650DSE, Hazeldean is currently under long-term contract management. It has been carrying 3,000 Merino ewes joined to Terminal sires for store lamb production, as well as 150 cows on agistment in a weaner production system.

The property is conveniently located 33km from Crookwell, 144km from Canberra and three hours drive from Sydney.

Current owner, Mr Ferguson, said it would be tough to say goodbye to the property.

“I’ve loved the journey over the past 10 years or so, but family priorities change and it’s time to hand Hazeldean over to someone new,” Mr Ferguson said.

“I’ve learned so much and met so many good people – it’s a great country community.

“I’m very proud of the work we’ve done on Hazeldean. We’ve made plenty of improvements, and it’s now a very productive block.”

For buyers interested in purchasing the property for an investment or as managed country property, Mr Ferguson said they would be in great hands with the existing team.

“The property has been run by a first-rate professional team from day one,” he said.

“They have done a fantastic job, and I’m sure they’d be keen to stay on if that suited the new owner.”

Complementing the high annual rainfall of 783.5mm, Hazeldean is securely watered via 1.3km double frontage to Phils River and 2.7km single frontage to Berrells Creek, plus 25 dams supported by a reticulated water system for livestock.

The undulating landscape comprises 665.7ha of open grazing land with the balance timbered grazing. Stocking capacity is supported by 460ha of Phalaris and clover pastures, with the balance Microlaena and Danthonia perennial native grasses.

Infrastructure to support the livestock enterprise includes a shearing shed and steel sheep yards, combined with a set of outpost sheep and cattle yards, various storage sheds and hay/machinery sheds.

LAWD Senior Director, Col Medway, said based on recent sales of high-rainfall grazing properties, he would expect the market to value Hazeldean at around $8.5 million.

“The property provides an ideal add-on enterprise for existing operators outside the Crookwell district who are seeking geographic diversity, or investors looking for a turnkey, hands-off rural investment,” Mr Medway said.

“We are expecting Hazeldean to appeal to a wide range of buyers, particularly given the improvements to infrastructure and the flexibility of enterprise, with the property equally suited to store lambs, fine wool or beef production.”

The four-bedroom Hazeldean homestead has been fully renovated and features a living room with open fireplace and polished timber floorboards, and a new heating system.

The homestead was previously retained for use by the Fergusons, as the property’s managers live locally and don’t require accommodation. Mr Medway said buyers wishing to reside at the property full-time would find it a very comfortable setting.